Monday, August 29, 2005

SF MEP on Sectarian Violence

Speaking from Ballymena and commenting on the upsurge of sectarian violence, SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald said last Wednesday: "it is very clear from my meetings today that there is an orchestrated effort being made to drive Catholics and nationalists out of certain areas in North Antrim. This is completely unacceptable. It is also clear that local nationalists feel that a climate has been created by the actions of local unionist politicians which has directly fed into the environment in which this campaign has flourished." These comments were criticized by the UUP East Belfast MLA Alderman Michael Copeland: "It is clear from Ms McDonald's comments that she completely oblivious to the reality on the ground in these areas."